In case you lived under a rock for the past NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers found surprising success at the most crucial position on the football field.

In Week 2 of the 2022 season, the 49ers lost Trey Lance to an ankle injury that sidelined him for the season. Jimmy Garappolo would take over until he suffered a broken foot, thus ending his own 2022 season. 

Then the story arc of Brock Purdy began.

Purdy was the Mr. Irrelevant of the 2022 NFL Draft. Being the literal last selection in the NFL Draft, you're not expect to make much of an impact.

Hell, the odds are against you to even make the team.

Purdy did so much more. Purdy completed 68.32% of his passes from Weeks 12-17 and he threw 13 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions. Not only did he help orchestrate a six-game win streak to end the season; he led the 49ers to the NFC Championship game, where they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Purdy's emergence has caused an important question, itself, has emerged over the last few months: did he do enough to make the 49ers feel comfortable in moving on from the former top-five overall pick in Lance? 

One NFL expert tends to think so.

In a recent article from The Athletic, Diante Lee, discussed which 2021 NFL Draft first rounders will have their fifth-year options picked up. Names like Micah Parsons, Ja'Marr Chase, and Pat Surtain were obvious yes answers. However, Lance made his way into tier five. Tier five was labeled "Last-chance players/Depth pieces.

If Lance somehow reclaims the 49ers’ starting job, perhaps he could push his way up this list. Otherwise, these players likely are headed toward free agency at the end of their rookie deals, if not before. – Diante Lee, The Athletic

There's no clear answer, right now, but at the same time, things are certainly trending towards a "no" when it comes to approving Lance's fifth-year option. It's unfortunate because injuries have really kept him from growing into the quarterback the 49ers envisioned when they made the massive trade-up to get him.

Anything can change in an instant in the NFL, but, don't be surprised if 2024 is potentially Lance's last season with the 49ers.

You can check out Lee's full article, here.

49ers continue to receive great news about Brock Purdy’s elbow injury

The 49ers are using a unique connection to help Brock Purdy in his recovery from UCL surgery.

Featured image via Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports